MYANMAR’S land and water transport routes have greatly contributed to cross-border movement and trade activities with five neighbouring countries.
If border trade routes with neighbouring countries can be systematically developed and implemented, it will further promote national development and improve the socioeconomic well-being of the people. Therefore, during the tenure of the current Government, priority has been given to upgrading and resuming the implementation of existing route development projects that connect Myanmar with neighbouring countries.
These projects were initiated and carried out by successive previous governments but have experienced delays and setbacks due to various reasons. Under the current Government’s administration, concerted efforts are being made with emphasis placed on completing and implementing these projects as quickly as possible. Regarding the development of mutually beneficial economic connectivity in the region and the prosperity and growth of both countries, the governments of India and Myanmar are making efforts to complete the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway (IMT Highway) Project. With regard to the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway Project, some activities are being implemented with funds from Myanmar’s Union Budget, while others are being carried out in cooperation with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). To promote trade, the Monywa-Yagyi-Kalewa-Tamu route, which is being used to connect with India, will provide Myanmar with investment and economic opportunities if stronger connectivity and exchanges are established between Myanmar and the six northeastern states of India.
Similarly, conducting trade with China’s Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, which share proximity with Myanmar, would bring significant benefits. If Shan State (East), through its connections with China, Laos, and Thailand, can engage in reciprocal trade activities with these neighbouring countries, Shan State (East) will experience substantial development and economic growth.
Many trade routes with neighbouring countries are important for Myanmar, and these must be implemented as quickly as possible. Myanmar can utilize these trade routes to enhance bilateral trade with neighbouring countries. In doing so, construction aspects, security measures, and legal regulatory mechanisms must all be addressed. To carry out construction projects, agreements with respective countries as well as agreements with relevant organizations must be finalized.
As such, efforts must be made to construct strategically important highways that are included in major projects being implemented in cooperation with neighbouring countries, so that they can serve as vital infrastructure for promoting trade and enhancing economic cooperation.
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